SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Shane Fuller stole the ball at the top of the 18-yard box and scored with about 13 minutes left to give the McCann Tech boys soccer team a 3-2 win over Putnam Tech on Thursday afternoon.

 

"This was a very important game for us needing a win to clinch the division and we had to beat a very tough Putnam team on the road," McCann coach Tom Bona said. "Putnam's defense plays a physical game and they knocked our offense around the whole game. 

 

"Putnam's offense was fast and strong, which forced our defense to play safe, so they weren't able to help as much offensively. Our defense did a good job keeping Putnam outside the 18-yard box most of the game. When they got inside, that's when they scored."

 

The Hornets (15-0-3) scored first in the third minute of the game when Dom Demeo set up Fuller for his first goal of the game.

 

But Putnam tied it six minutes later, and tied it again shortly after Damon Couture's goal gave McCann a 2-1 lead.

 

"Our offense, despite being knocked around all game, never gave up and pressured the play whenever possible," Bona said. "We had several good runs at the net and we hit the post twice. Hard work paid off. We never gave up. We had better opportunities, and at the end we walked away with the win."

 

Chris Gajda made five saves behind the defensive effort of Dillon Carr, Connor Little, Trejan Skiffington and Austin Worth.